Nexstar, Sinclair Reinstate Jimmy Kimmel Live

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to air Friday after a week-long suspension by ABC and a dayslong blackout by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, which had pulled the show over Kimmel’s comments following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC/Disney had suspended Kimmel after an FCC chair warned of potential enforcement, and Sinclair initially demanded an on-air apology and a donation to Turning Point USA while Nexstar executives defended limits on on-air speech. Widespread backlash from viewers, advertisers, celebrities and politicians — including Sen. Bernie Sanders — and discussions between the station groups and Disney prompted both companies to reverse course and reinstate the show across dozens of local ABC affiliates (about 30 Nexstar stations and roughly 38–40 Sinclair stations). Both broadcasters said they acted after receiving “thoughtful feedback” and cited commitments to First Amendment principles and local obligations, while ABC/Disney has not publicly accepted all proposals from Sinclair. Kimmel’s comeback drew some of his biggest TV ratings and his monologue amassed tens of millions of YouTube views, renewing a national debate over free speech, broadcaster stewardship, advertiser influence and the financial pressures on local affiliates.